Germany, with various injuries, managed to put out a respectable lineup of up-and-coming Bundesliga players alongside established stars to beat the Netherlands 1-0 in UEFA Nations League action. Here are four observations from the match:
Julian Nagelsmann plays fair with selections
It has been a while since so much of the Bundesliga was represented in the German national side. Today, TSG Hoffenheim, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, VfB Stuttgart, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Mönchengladbach were represented in the lineup alone. Mainz would later also be represented when Jonathan Burkardt was brought on. It seems that if a German player plays well, he can legitimately hope to represent his national side.
Jamie Leweling was a star among Stuttgart’s other bright spots
It is difficult to deny that a lot of players from Stuttgart are called up by Julian Nagelsmann but, based on performance, they definitely deserve it. Jamie Leweling was unlucky to have a goal denied early on (for what seemed to be Serge Gnabry’s millionth offside during the international break) and would go on to score the game winner. He was a bright spot throughout the game and more than deserved the call up. The players that Nagelsmann has chosen have all shown that they deserved their call ups.
Aleksandar Pavlović finally got a start…
And stabilized the midfield next to former Bayern Munich youth, Angelo Stiller. Germany controlled the game in the first half, with some exquisite combination play at times. The crowd appreciated the play as the attacking players seemed to know each other well despite spending such little time playing together.
OIiver Baumann exuded some much needed calm at the back
Baumann might have earned himself the #1 spot for Germany; he produced a brilliant save today and was good with the ball at his feet. There were very few panic inducing moments from him. With Marc-André ter Stegen out and Kevin Trapp not in the picture for now due to injury, the veteran Baumann arguably impressed more than Alexander Nübel and might keep the #1 slot.
